Lorton Man Attacked McDonald's Worker With Hammer For Free Food: Cops

CAROLINE COUNTY, VA — A Fairfax County man was arrested Saturday after authorities said he attacked a McDonald's employee with a hammer and fought several others because he wanted free food, according to police and a report.

Bertram Smithen, 48, was arrested by authorities after an hours-long search following the attack, according to the Caroline County Sheriff's Office.

According to a WRIC report, the attack happened at a McDonald's in Ladysmith around 5 p.m. Saturday. Sheriff Scott Moser told the station the manager of the restaurant was taking a break outside when he was approached by Smithen.

"This gentleman approached him asking for free food. The manager said that’s not within our policy. I can't give you free food and the guy got upset and they got into an altercation and the suspect struck him with a hammer in the head," Moser told WRIC. "Other employees came to the aid of the manager and tried to keep him under control until law enforcement arrived."

Following the attack, authorities said Smithen attempted to flee in an occupied vehicle before he ran into a nearby wooded area.

Authorities launched a search for Smithen after the attack. He was taken into custody the following day after a caller reported seeing him run across Interstate 95 near the Ladysmith exit, authorities said.

It's unclear whether Smithen will face charges.